knell to many mass manufacturers with process and cost efficiency. 3-D Printing is certainly a disruptive innovation that will transform manufacturing as we know it.
Concept Modelling or Rapid Prototyping
Quick and low cost models can be created using 3-D printing without much hassle, to test and verify the design as well as ergonomics. Many other intangible results can be obtained by just creating the model physically. This is especially true for architectural models where aesthetics is in the forefront. Simulations and Autocad depictions do not give a complete picture of the design but 3-D printing can transform this sector and offers savings in time in design phase. Traditional approach to visualize designs of buildings is done using scale models built with wood or Styrofoam. 3D printing now combines the precision of computers with tangibility of scale models.
Rise of new industries
There is a rapid surge in bio-printing wherein stem cells are used to print out human tissues. Many body parts such as liver, kidneys, ear lobes and finger bones have been created using 3-D Printers. As a result of reduced manufacturing and other peripheral costs, there has been a surge in printing of non-living medical devices such as prosthetic limbs. This upcoming industry will be subject to intense scrutiny with a lot of people debating involving ethical, moral, political and religious issues. 3-D Printing has also opened up another possibility of printable electronics with plastics, silicon, gypsum and other metals being fused together. Consumer electronics such as loudspeakers and watches have been printed in a single build. More importantly, in a world where every object is connected to the cloud (internet of things), 3-D printing will come as a boon. Every object used by us has the potential to be “Smart” and run an embedded OS. Many defense equipment manufacturers are already in the process of making clothing, helmets and sensors using 3-D Printing.
Impact on Industry
3-D printing is a data heavy process and capturing, managing and analysing this data is a challenge as well as an opportunity for the next wave of entrepreneurs. There is more data than can be captured via sensors and ERP systems in a production process. In a typical manufacturing process, records such as number of units, temperature of the environment, parts and components used along with the batch number are all recorded. Analytics on this data can provide details such as production yields, defect charts, environmental data and field data which can be used to optimize the production process. 3-D printing provides better control over the production process as it enables careful monitoring and optical measurements which ultimately reduces the chances of defects.
Sensors in 3-D printers can record information about temperature, pressure and humidity which ultimately affects the solidification process. The whole process can be recorded visually for further analysis and compared with baseline templates to identify any deformities. For example, when aerospace-grade titanium parts are being manufactured, any overheating of the alloy can be identified immediately and any weakness can be instantly rectified.